There are multitude of rich histories underlying the many Irish surnames in use today. The name MacGoffry originally appeared in Gaelic as Mac Gafraidh. Gafraidh or Gothraidh equates with the English personal name Godfrey. Variations that start with the prefix Mac or Mc mean son of Godfrey.

Early Origins of the MacGoffry family

The surname MacGoffry was first found in County Fermanagh (Irish: Fear Manach) in the southwestern part of Northern Ireland, Province of Ulster, where they held a family seat at Ballymacaffrey near Five mile Town in Fermanagh near the Tyrone border. [1]CITATION[CLOSE]MacLysaght, Edward, Irish Families Their Names, Arms and Origins 4th Edition. Dublin: Irish Academic, 1982. Print. (ISBN 0-7165-2364-7)

Early History of the MacGoffry family

Early History of the MacGoffry family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacGoffry research.Another 101 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 198 and 1987 are included under the topic Early MacGoffry History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacGoffry Spelling Variations

MacGoffry Spelling Variations

In the Middle Ages, a name was often recorded under several different spelling variations during the life of its bearer. Literacy was rare at that time and none of the languages to be found in the British Isles had achieved any great semblance of standardization. Variations of the name MacGoffry found include MacCaffery, MacCaffrey, MacCafferty, MacAffery, MacAffry, MacAfferty, MacGoffrey, MacGodfrey and many more.

Early Notables of the MacGoffry family (pre 1700)

Early Notables of the MacGoffry family (pre 1700)

More information is included under the topic Early MacGoffry Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the MacGoffry family to the New World and Oceana

Migration of the MacGoffry family to the New World and Oceana

Ireland experienced a dramatic decrease in its population during the late 19th century. This was in a great measure, a response to England's imperialistic policies. Hunger and disease took the lives of many Irish people and many more chose to leave their homeland to escape such hunger and disease. North America with its promise of work, freedom, and land was an extremely popular destination for Irish families. For those families that survived the journey, all three of these things were were often attained through much hard work and perseverance. Research into early immigration and passenger lists revealed many immigrants bearing the name MacGoffry: Biddy MacCafferty who settled in Newcastle in 1804; Arthur, Charles, Daniel, Edward, Henry, Hugh, James, John, Patrick, and Robert MacCafferty all arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania between 1840 and 1860.